O'Connor wins race to make final London Irish appearance

James O’Connor has recovered from injury in time to play in London Irish’s last game of the season.

The Australia international, who is joining Toulon next season, is expected to make his farewell appearance for Exiles as their full-back against Sale Sharks on Saturday.

Back-row forwards Ofisa Treviranus and Blair Cowan are also set to return after missing last Saturday’s 38-30 defeat to Gloucester at Kingsholm due to slight knocks.

Exiles’ director of rugby Brian Smith said: “We felt we could not afford to take guys who were banged up. The boys were very sore and the medical staff were quite hesitant (about them playing) and we decided it would be in everybody’s best interests to give them a break and make sure they came back for the last game firing.

“We picked a big pack to play Gloucester to try to maul and drive them into the ground, but we only got five lineouts so it didn’t turn out that way.

“Blair and Ofisa are more mobile and you can play a high-tempo game at Madejski Stadium because the conditions are so good.

“I am expecting it to be a high-tempo game and it will depend on the durability and quality of each teams’ defences as to whether they can keep the score down.

“We certainly want to give our supporters something to cheer. We have been talking about giving the youngsters a go and making sure our supporters get value for money. We won’t be shoving the ball up our shirts."

Skipper George Skivington will once again miss out due to a back problem.